Apple announced price increases for its iPad and MacBook products due to rising memory and storage chip costs driven by the AI industry’s data center expansion. The company stated that it had previously absorbed these cost hikes but was now forced to adjust prices. The MacBook Neo now starts at $949, up $150, with other retailers expected to follow suit. The surge in AI-related demand for components like RAM has led to supply shortages and higher prices. Prices for various tech products, including gaming consoles, have been on the rise due to these factors. Micron anticipates the memory shortage to continue until at least 2027. Manufacturers are expanding production capacity to address the increased demand and alleviate price pressures in the future.
